Senegal President Faye sacks prime minister Sonko after months or tensions

Bassirou Diomaye Faye also dissolved the government, creating uncertainty amid a debt crisis in the country.

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A shock decree, read out on TV by a presidential aide, said Faye had "ended the duties" of his one-time political ally Sonko and "consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government".

Sonko, a popular figure among Senegal's youth, said on social media that he would "sleep with a light heart".

The split comes as the country faces mounting economic pressure, with its public debt having reached the equivalent of 132% of its GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Sonko's dismissal followed a parliamentary session on Tuesday, during which the prime minister openly criticised Faye for his approach to the debt crisis.